Jack Reed Jr. optimistic about ‘State of City’

TUPELO – Tupelo Mayor Jack Reed Jr. will deliver his second and final state of the city address on Wednesday.
The event, which is free and open to the public, will begin at 4 p.m. at the BancorpSouth Conference Center and last about an hour.
By law, mayors are required to report on the state of their municipalities. Last year, Reed detailed the accomplishments of each city department before an audience of 600-plus. This year, the mayor, who is not seeking a second term, is planning a more holistic view of the city.
In addition to reviewing the city’s finances and accomplishments, he plans to focus on opportunities before the city.
Reed plans to address the annexation, the new neighborhood revitalization plan and the Tupelo Public School District as reasons for optimism in Tupelo.
Also during the state of the city address, Reed is planning to highlight people he considers living examples of the Tupelo spirit of service and community.
“So many people are doing something,” Reed said, to make Tupelo a better place.
Reed also wants to challenge the city to stand up and support the Salvation Army’s campaign to raise $500,000 to build a second homeless shelter that will allow them to better accommodate families in need.
“Citizens need to be the solution,” Reed said.
michaela.morris@journalinc.com